These frequently asked questions about Thailand travel are intended to give visitors general information about such topics as getting a Thailand visa, Thailand travel methods, health and safety, accommodation, and understanding Thailand customs’ regulations.

Thai Police are generally trustworthy; in fact, in 1982 the Tourist Police was set up to coordinate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in order to provide safety for tourists. Its responsibilities are receiving and acknowledging claims and complaints, conducting subsequent investigations, and acting as co-coordinator of tourist security protection. At present, some 500 tourist policemen are stationed in major tourist areas around Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Pat Pong, and Lumphini Park. Bi-lingual Tourist Police are attached to Tourism Authority of Thailand offices in Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Surat Thani, Phuket and Songkhla to provide speedy assistance to visitors.

To contact in the event of an emergency:

Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191

Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155,

Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844,

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672,

Immigration Bureau : (662) 287 3101-10

What are the chances I will be robbed?

Like anywhere in the world, Thailand has thieves. Robberies do happen, though they tend to be snatch and grabs rather than muggings. The golden rule is don't take anything out with you that you can't afford to lose, and keep copies of all important documentation such as your passport, credit cards and travelers cheques. Keep a list of important phone numbers somewhere too. Most guesthouses and hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Use them. As well, it’s wise to use a money belt. Avoid leaving your mobile phone or camera while sitting at a restaurant table or bar and don’t place your purse or bag on the floor beneath your seat where someone may reach under and slide it out. Finally, watch your wallet when walking around busy pedestrian areas like Patpong night market or the Grand Palace.

Should I buy gems I've been offered by a really convincing person I've met/been introduced to?

While that question seems blatantly obvious to be answered “NO!” many people fall prey to convincing con-men (and women).

Before deciding to buy gems, you should be aware of the criteria to judge gems known as the '4 Cs'

1. Color: To buy gemstones with their colors as the main criterion, customers should look for those with medium shades, not too light or too dark. You can also seek experts' advice before making a decision.

2. Clarity: This concerns the level of contamination inside a gemstone. The less contamination and fewer defects a gem has, the more expensive it is.

3. Cut: This concerns the shapes and balance of a gem's facets. A quality cut creates a glittering reflection inside a gem.

4. Carat: gems are priced by their carat weights while inferior ones are priced by unit tagged with a fixed price. One carat weighs 200 milligrams.

In general you may pay a relatively higher price at a reputable establishment, but you are much more likely to get your money’s worth. Ask your hotel concierge or do research on the web to locate Bangkok’s best gem dealers.

Can I use drugs in Thailand?

Thailand takes drug use very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful drug use entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances. Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and people made to put forward urine samples. If you test positive, the penalties can be harsh, including incarceration and deportation. Trading in drugs will lead to decades in prison for the lucky few, though Thailand has a death penalty for drug offenses.

Is Thailand a safe place to travel alone to?

As with just about anywhere in the world, you are safer travelling with others, but as long as you use your common sense, travelling alone is generally perfectly safe -- tens of thousands of people do it every year. Take all the usual precautions, have copies of all your documentation and try to keep in touch with family or friends overseas. There's no shortage of internet cafes across the country, so there's not really any excuse for not occasionally dropping an email in to placate the worriers at home. Better still; send a postcard as some people still use those. If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, don't hesitate to ask a local for assistance -- by and large Thais are very helpful people.

Thailand is a relatively safe country but nonetheless everyone is advised to keep constant vigilance and street smartness as danger may happen and could happen anywhere. Here are some tips you can practice for a safe vacation: -Do not leave your valuables unattended anywhere. -Dark alleyways are not for wandering alone. -Always be on-guard with your safety and valuables.

- Thais are indeed very friendly but be wary of seemingly friendly strangers offering cigarettes, food and drink as these may be spiked or mixed heavily with sedatives or other dangerous/ illegal drugs.

- Beware of unauthorized people offering services as guide.

- Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offenses are severe in Thailand.

Are legal drugs cheap in Thailand?

They are often available over at rates more reasonable than in the west, though not always. Generic anti-malaria medication, for example, costs a fraction of the price in the west, while migraine medication is at a very similar cost. Insulin is very expensive in Thailand when compared to the west. Often the price differs according to the origin of the drugs. Some types of drugs are Thai made, some are imported by neighbor countries, and some are imported from west countries.

Do I need a prescription for these drugs?

Yes and No. Many pharmaceuticals restricted in the foreign countries are available over the counter in Thailand, though you may need to buy generic drugs if the brand you prefer is not available. However, there are some types of drugs that are not legal to be sold at the pharmacy without the doctor's prescription. However, Thai hospitals are inexpensive and a visit to a doctor with your Thai prescription will likely result in getting a Thai prescription that you may then fill at the hospital.

Do I need malarial medication in Thailand?

Malaria in Thailand is not as common as in neighboring countries, though Malaria (and some of the most virulent strains) is prevalent along the border regions, particularly near Cambodia and Laos. Medications for malaria do not prevent you from getting infected with malaria; they simply better prepare your immune system in the event of infection. Consequently, those not traveling to high risk zones do not need to take medication unless they exhibit symptoms of Malaria, including high fever. Medical help should be taken immediately if malaria is suspected. Without treatment malaria can rapidly become more serious and can be fatal. The best line of defense is insect repellent with DEET, which is available throughout Thailand, and a mosquito net if traveling off the beaten path, particularly during the rainy season.

What is my risk of contracting HIV/AIDS?

Promiscuous sex anywhere can be dangerous. For travelers, local sex workers, either of explicit or concealed types, are potential sources of STDs and HIV/AIDS. All casual sex should be avoided or strictly protected with the use of condoms. The danger from intravenous drug use by sharing needles and syringes cannot be overemphasized. However, blood transfusions at all medical centers in Thailand are considered safe, as intensive screening of donated blood for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis is implemented nationwide.

What general food and water precautions should be followed?

Many travelers suffer heat exhaustion and dehydration when travelling in Thailand during the warmer months, so keep up the fluids throughout the day. Tap water may be used for cleaning oneself (including teeth) but is not recommended for drinking. Travelers are advised to drink bottled water that is sold everywhere. Ice in cube form is generally safe for consumption, though crushed ice tends to come from large blocks that may be exposed to unsanitary surfaces. Straws are ubiquitous in Thailand. Many Thai restaurants serve pre-made food that can become unsafe for travelers stomachs. Made to order dishes, like Pad Thai noodles or boiling hot soup are typically safe to consume. Raw vegetables can carry bacteria from tap water, but are typically safe to eat from nicer establishments.

Hospitals in Thailand

For the past few years Bangkok, Thailand has become the center for medical tourists from all around the world. Thailand has caught up with the advancements of medical science in the west and at the same time maintained a higher service standard at considerably lower prices.

Here are a number of factors contributing to the boom in hospital visits to Bangkok:

1. Many foreigners choose to settle down in Thailand and the spread the word about good hospitals here

2. Competition has led to higher standards and the international accreditation of Thai hospitals

3. There are high numbers of internationally trained, English-speaking Thai doctors

4. Overwhelming hospital costs in western countries has made Thai hospitals much more affordable

5. Most hospitals in Bangkok are private owned and thus provide better service

6. Plane tickets to Bangkok have become more affordable.

More and more people from the US, Europe and wealthier Asian countries are traveling to Thailand to see a dentist, have LASIK, or receive cosmetic surgery. Thailand receives more than 1 million medical tourists each year and the industry keeps growing at 20 – 30% per year.

Bangkok boasts both the most and the best hospitals in the country. However many larger chain hospitals have opened hospitals in major cities such Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Listed below are hospitals and dentists around Thailand:

Bangkok Adventist Mission Hospital

430 Phitsanulok Road,

Bangkok 10100

Tel: 0 2281 1422

Fax: 0 2280 0441

Bangkok Chirstian Hospital

124 Silom Road,

Bangkok 10500

Tel: 0 2264 0560-46, 0 2634 0453-64

Bangna Hospital

Km 3, Na-Trat Road,

Bangkok 10260

Tel: 0 2393 8534-5

Fax: 0 2398 9531

BHN Hospital

(Formerly Bangkok Nursing Home)

9/1 Convent Road, off Silom Road,

Bangkok 10500

Tel: 0 2631 0550-300

Fax: 02632 0577-9

Email: Info@bangkoknursinghome.com

Website: www.bangkoknursinghome.com

Bumrungrad Hospital

33 Sukhumvit 3 Raoad, Wattana,

Bangkok 10110

Tel: 0 2667 1000

Fax: 0 2667 2525

Email: Info@bumrungrad.com

Website: www.bumrungrad.com

Central General oapital

362/114 Phaholyothin Road, Bang Khen,

Bangkok 10220

Tel: 0 2552 8777

Fax: 0 2552 0666

Chao Phya Hoapital

113/44 Boromratchonnee Road,

Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700

Tel: 0 2884 7000-79

Fax: 0 2439 6929

Deja General Hospital

246 Sri Autthya Road, Ratchathevi,

Bangkok 10400

Tel: 0 2246 0137

Fax: 0 2247 2089

Kasemrat Hospital

240/24-25 Moo 1, Bang Khae,

Bangkok 10160

Tel: 0 2455 0110

Fax: 02454 1914

Kluaynamthai General Hospital

180 Soi Rongphayaban 2, Rama 4 Road,

Bangkok 10110

Tel: 0 2381 2006-20

Fax: 0 2381 3582

Email: sranyoo@samart.co.th

Website: www.kluynamthai.com

Kluaynumthai General Hospital 2

27 Sukhumvit Soi 68, Bang Na,

Bangkok 10260

Tel: 0 2399 4259-63

Fax: 0 2399 4259-63

Website: www.kluaynamthai.com

Krungthom Hospital

337 Taksin Road, Thon Buri,

Bangkok 10600

Tel: 0 2438 0040-5

Fax: 0 2438 5642

Email: marketing@kdh.co.th

Website: www.kdh.co.th

Lad Prao Hospital

2699 Lad Prao road,

Bangkok 10310

Tel: 0 2530 2244

Fax: 0 2935 0021

Mongkutawattana General Hospital

34/40 Chaeng Wattana Road,

Bangkok 10210

Tel: 0 2574 1000-1

Fax: 0 2574 4856

Nakornthon Hospital

49 Moo 6, Rama 2 Road,

Bang Khunthien, Bangkok 10150

Tel: 0 2416 5454

Fax: 0 2415 4340

Nonthavej Hospital

30/8 Ngam Wong Wan Road,

Bangkok 10210

Tel: 0 2589 5489-91

Fax: 0 2589 8753

Pakkred Vejchakarn General Hospital

132/215 Chaeng Wattana Road.

Bangkok 10210

Tel: 0 2960 9655-9

Fax: 0 2960 9666

Phyathai Hospital 1

364/1 Sri Ayutthaya Road,

Bangkok 10400

Tel: 0 2245-9610-9

Fax: 0 2245 9612

Email: cr@phayathai1hosp.com

Website: www.phyathai1hosp.com

Phayathai Hospital 2

943 Phahonyothin Road,

Bangkok 10900

Tel: 0 2273 0780

Piyavate Hospital

Centers of Excellence

998 Rimkhlongsamsen Road, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang,

Bangkok 10320

Tel: 0 2625 6500

Fax: 0 2246 9253

Email: info@piyavate.com

Website: www.piyavate.com

Praram 9 Hospital

99 Soi Praram 9 Hosp., Rama IX Rd ,

Bangkok 10320

Tel: 0 2202 9999

Fax: 0 2248 8018

Email: info@praram9.com

Website: http://www.praram9.com/en/index1.php

Ramkhamhaeng Hospital

21 38 Ramkhamhaeng Road,

Hua Mark, Bangkok 10240

Tel: 0 2374 0200-46

Fax: 0 2374 0804

Email: ranhospitsk@bangkok.com

Website: www.ram-hosp.co.th

Saint Louis Hospitl

215 South Sathorn Road,

Bangkok 10120

Tel: 0 2675 5000

Fax: 0 2685 5200

Samitivej Hospital

133 Sukhumvit 49 Road,

Wattana, Bangkok 12110

Tel: 0 2392 0011

Fax: 0 2391 1290

Email: Info@samitivej.co.th

Website: www.samitivejhospitals.com

Samitivej-Srinakrin Hospital

488 Srinakarin Road, Suan Luang,

Bangkok 10250

Tel: 0 2731 7000

Fax: 0 2731 7044

Email: Info@samitivej.co.th

Website: www.samitivejhospitals.com

Samitivej-Srinakarin Hospital

488 Srinakarin Road. Bangkok 10260

Tel: 0 2731 7000

Sikarin Hospital

4/29 Moo 10, Srinakarin Road,

Bang Na, Bangkok 10260

Tel: 0 2383 4400-13

Fax: 0 2383 4414-15

Email: admin@sikarin.com

Website: www.sikarim.com

Srivichai 1 Hospital

240/1-7 Charansanitwong Road,

Bangkok 10700

Tel: 0 2412 0055-60

Fax: 0 2412 7581-2

Website: www.srivichai.com

Srivichai 2 Hospital

15/38-43 Phetchakasem Road,

Bangkok 10160

Tel: 0 2807 4044

Fax: 0 2421 1784

Email: nongkham@ksc.th.com

Website: www.sirvichai.com

Thai Nakarin Hospital

345 Bang Na-Trat Road(Km 3.5),

Bangkok 10260

Tel: 0 2361 2727

Fax: 0 2361 2777

Email: comtnh@asiaaccess.net.th

Website: www.thainakarin.co.th

Thonburi Hospital

34/1 Issaraphap 44 Road, Bangkok Noi,

Bangkok 10700

Tel: 0 2412 0020-7

Fax: 0 2561 1466

Email: Info@vibavadi.com

Website: www.vibhavadk.com

Vibhavadi General Hospital

51/3 Ngam Wongwan Road,

Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Tel: 0 2561 1258-67

Fax: 0 2561 1466

Email: Info@vibhavadi.com

Website: www.vibhavadi.com

CENTRAL

Kanjanaburi Memorial Hospital

111 Moo 5, Saengchuto Road,

Kanchaburi 71000

Tel: 0 3462 4191

Fax: 0 3462 4190

Mahachai Hospital

927/43 Kor Settakit 1 Road,

Mahachai, Samut Sakhon

Tel: 0 3442 4990-4

Fax: 0 3481 0782

Email: Mchai@asiaaccess.bet.th

Navanakorn General Hospital

98, Phaholyothin Road, Khlong Luang,

Pathum Thani 12120

Tel: 0 2529 4533-41

Fax: 0 2529 3624

Rajthanee Hospital

111 Rojana Road, Khlong Suanplu,

Ayutthaya 13000

Tel: 0 3533 5555

Fax: 0 3533 5555

Samrong Hospital

1748 sukhumvit 78Road, Hua Hin,

Prachuap Khri Khan 77110

Tel: 0 2361 0080

Fax: 0 2756 8465

Email: Dr_prapa@hotmail.com

San Paolo Hua-Hin Hospital

222 Phetchakasem Road,

Prachap Khri Khan 77110

Tel: 0 3253 2579-85

Fax: 0 3253 2583

Srivichai 3 Hospital

74/5 Phetchakasem Road,

Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon 74130

Tel: 0 2431 0070

Fax: 0 2431 0940

Email: Rachada2000@hotmail.com

Website: www.srivichai.com

Srivichai 5 Hospital

93/256 Sethakit 1 Road, Muang,

Samut Sqkhon 74130

Tel: 0 2431 0070

Fax: 0 2431 0940

Email: Rachada2000@hotmail.com

Website: www.srivichai.com

Thanakarn Hospital

20/20 Saengchuto Road, Muang,

Samut Sakhon 74130

Tel: 0 3482 5710-29

Fax: 0 3482 6706

Website: www.srivichai.com

Thonburi Hua-Hin Hospital

17/115 Phetchakasem road, Muang,

Kanchanaburi 71000

Tel: 0 3485 6710 -29

Fax: 0 3482 6706

EAST-COAST

Aikchol Hospital

68/3 Moo 2, Phrayasajja Road,

Muang, Chon Buri 20000

Tel: 0 3827 3840-7

Fax: 0 3827 3848

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital

301 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Road, KM. 143 Banglamung,

Chonburi Thailand 20150

Tel: 0 3825 9999

Fax: 0 3842 7777

EMail: bphint@bph.co.th

Website: www.bangkokpattayahospital.com

Bangkok Rayong Hospital

8 Moo 2, Soi Saengchan Neramit, Nernpra, Muang,

Rayong 21000

Tel: 0 3861 2999

Fax: 0 3861 0777

EMail: brhinfo@bgh.co.th

Website: www.rayonghospital.com

Pattaya International Hospital

255/4 Soi 4 Pattaya 2 road.

Pattaya City, Chon Buri 20260

Tel: 0 3842 8374

Fax: 02 3462 4190

Phya Thai Sriracha General Hospital

90 Srirachanakorn 3 road,

Pattaya City, Chon Buri 20260

Tel: 0 3877 0200-8

Fax: 0 3842 2773

Email: picpih@loxnfo.co.th

Website: www.pattaya-inter-hospital.co.th

Samitivej Sriracha General Hospital

90/ Srirachanakorn 3 Road,

Muang, chon Buri 20110

Tel: 0 3877 0200-8

Fax: 0 3877 0213

NORTH

Central Chiangmai Memorial Hospital

186/2 Changklan rod, Muang,

Chiang Mai 50000

Tel: 0 5327 7090-3

Fax: 0 5327 1624

Changpuek Hospital

1/7 Changpuek Soi 2, Muang,

Chiang Mai 50200

Tel: 0 5322 4862

Fax: 0 5321 8120

Email: mla@chiangmai.a-net.net.th

Chiangmai Ram 1 Hospital

8boomruangrit Road, Muang

Chiang Mai 52000

Tel: 0 5322 4861

Fax: 0 5322 4880

Email: chiangmairam@chiangram.com

Website: www.chiangmairam.com

ChiangmaiRam 2 Hospital

99 Moo 5, Fa Ham, Muang

Chiang Mai 50000

Tel: 0 5385 2590-99

Fax: 05285 2999

Email: chiangmairam@chiangmairam.com

Website: www.chiangmairam.com

Khelang Nakorn Hospital

79/12 Phaholyothin Road, Muang,

Lmpang 52100

Tel: 0 5422 5100

Fax: 0 5422 5105

Lanna Hospital

1 Sukkasen Road, Nakhon Ping,

Chiang Mai 50300

Tel: 0 5335 7234-53

Fax: 0 5340 8432

Email: Info@lanna-hospita;.com

Website: www.lanns-hospital.com

McCormick Hospital

133 kaew Navarat Road, Muang,

Chiang Mai 50000

Tal: 0 524 13110

Fax: 0 524 1177

Email: mahosp@payap.ac.th

Overbrook Hospital

17 Singhakrai Road, Muang,

Chiang Rai 57000

Tel: 0 5371 5700

Fax: 0 5371 6755

Phayao-Ram Hospital

660 Moo 3, Phaholyothin road,

Muang, Phayao

Tel: 0 5441 1111

Fax: 0 5441 1130

Pitsanuvej Hospital

211/95 Khun Phirain Road, Muang,

Phitsanuloke 65000

Tel: 0 5524 4911-20

Fax: 0 5525 2754

NORTH-EAST

P.Phathya Hospital

43-53 Chainarong Road, Muang

Nakhon Ratchasime 30000

Tal: 0 4423 0530-3

Fax: 0 4425 7411

Panyavej Hospital

11 Prachaksilpakom Road, Muang,

Nakhon Ratchasime 30000

Tel: 0 4434 0530-3

Fax: 0 4423 3065

Email: panyavej@ubon.cscoms.com

Phya Thai Ubol Hospital

512/3 chayangkul Road, Muang,

Ubon Ratchathani 34000

Tel: 0 4528 0040

Fax: 0 4528 3894

Rajavej Ubolrachathani Hospital

999 Chayangkul Road, Muang,

Ubon Ratchathaini 34000

Tal: 0 4528 0040

Fax: 0 4528 3894

Email: raj_ubon@yahoo.com

Ratchasima Thonburi Hospital

1308/9 Mitraphap Road, Muang,

Nakhon Ratchasima 30000

Tel: 0 4426 2000

Fax: 0 4525 6421

SOUTH

Bangkok Hatyai Hospital

75 Phatchakasem Road, Hat Yai,

Songkhla 90110

Tel: 0 7436 5780-9

Fax: 0 7436 5790

Bangkok Phuket Hospital

2/1Hongyok Utis Road, Muang,

Phuket 83000

Email: kpiyarat@bgh.co.th

Website: www.phuket-hospital.com

Chaweng Hospital

90/2 Moo2, Bo-Phut, Ko SAMUI,

Surat Thani 84320

Tel: 0 7742 2272

Fax: 07723 0049

Email: cwh@surat.loxinfo.co.th

Phuket International Hospital

44 Chalermparkiat Ror 9 Road,

Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: 0 7624 9400

Fax: 0 7621 0936, 0 7624 9386

Email: Info@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th

Website: www.phuket-inter-hospital.co.th

Rajyindee Hospital

119 Rajyindee Road, Hat Yai,

Songkhla 90110

Tel: 0 7422 0300-4

Fax: 07422 1039

Email: ryh@hatyai.losxinfo.co.th

Sikarin Hatyai Hospital

169 Nipptsongdro 1 Road, Hat Yai,

Songkhla 90110

Tel: 0 7436 6966

Fax: 0 7436 3655

Thansin Hospital

309/2 Talad-Mai Road, Muang,

Surat Thani 84000

Tel: 0 7728 5701-5

Fax: 0 7721 2495

Email: thaksin@loxinfo.co.th

What general health advice is there for Thailand?

No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. Yellow fever certificates are required for those who are coming from the 14 following countries; Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Angola, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan and Zaire.

Many travelers suffer heat exhaustion and dehydration when travelling in Thailand during the warmer months, so stay sun smart and keep up the fluids through out the day. Although, Thailand is indeed a modern country, it is still advisable to be aware of following diseases that are dangers in Thailand:

- Malaria

- Japanese B encephalitis

- Rabies

- Dengue fever

- AIDS

What should be in a traveler’s medical kit?

Generally, you will be able to get medical attention and medicine for most minor ailments at local hospitals, medical clinics or pharmacies throughout Thailand. But, you are still recommended to have a medical kit prepared for emergency. A first aid kit should include plasters (band-aids) and antiseptic cream, thermometer, water sterilization tablets, ibuprofen, paracetamol (Tylenol), steroid-based creams and antihistamine tablets (such as Perryton or Actifed) for insect bites, and anti-diarrhea tablets.

For younger children, pack dehydration sachets made with cooked starch rather than glucose (ask your pharmacist for details). For three-year-olds and older use Lucozade.

Children are particularly prone to traveler’s diarrhea. If you're not breastfeeding, take some ready-made cartons of formula milk for infants.

Choose insect repellents with DEET (N-diethylmetatoluamide) as these offers the best protection - look for Repel or the Boots Soltan range. Use a solution of no more than 20 per cent DEET on infants and children. It is not suitable for babies under two months.

If you are camping or trekking in areas with few facilities or poor sanitation, MASTA recommends emergency medical travel kits. These contain sterilized equipment such as syringes and needles, and are available from pharmacies.

Take a double supply of your routine medication - put one in your luggage and the other in your hand luggage. Note the generic names of medicines in case you need more while you are away. See your GP

If you are traveling onwards to a developing or other tropical country (including Cambodia), see your GP six weeks beforehand to discuss relevant vaccinations and tablets. You need to start taking certain malaria tablets four to six weeks before going on holiday.

Get an international vaccination cards signed and stamped, and take it with you. You need this to claim on health insurance for treatment for these diseases.

Avoid last-minute deals to destinations such as Africa and the Far East unless you have had the vaccinations for another recent trip.

Cardiovascular diseases account for half of all travelers’ deaths overseas. If you might be at risk, have a thorough examination before you travel.

Will I get diarrhea?

To prevent diarrhea avoid uncooked food and take standard bottled or boiled water. When you get diarrhea and/or vomiting, the most important thing is to avoid dehydration. The usual doctor's prescription is a drug to stop the symptoms (diarrhea and/or vomiting), an antibiotic to help your body deal with bacteria, and electrolyte beverages to rehydrate. In more severe cases, you will feel better after an intravenous infusion of fluid. When given an antibiotic, it is important to finish the treatment, not stop when the symptoms go away. This is because you will usually feel better before all the bacteria are fought off. The small amount of surviving bacteria will be the toughest strain. If you don't fight it off, then you will get a relapse of tougher bacteria. It's simple natural selection. This is called drug resistance. Antibiotics, anti-diarrhea medication (Immodium), and rehydration solutions are all available from pharmacies throughout Thailand. It is not necessary to see a doctor to get such medication though a doctor’s advice may be recommended for extreme cases.

Where should I go when I need to see a doctor?

Thailand can provide some of the best healthcare available anywhere in the world at a price that will pleasantly surprise you as Thailand's private hospitals are of very high standard while the fees are surprising low compared to those on the West. And the expertise, friendliness and caring support provided by the doctors and nurses is world renowned. The most popular medical treatments in Thailand that tourist often visit for are cancer, cardiac procedure, stem cell treatment, heart transplant, dentistry, Hip Replacements, cosmetic surgery, eye surgery, elective surgery, hearing loss, kidney transplant and lots more. Whilst, the leading hospitals in Thailand are Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok International Hospital, Bangkok Nursing Home and Samitivej Hospital. Outside of Bangkok the quality declines the farther from tourist centers you travel, but generally speaking there is quality care available kingdom-wide.

Are there any poisonous animals in Thailand?

What kinds of help are available in case of injury or other medical emergency while traveling?

In the event of an accident, the nearest hospitals’ ambulances are always on standby. Most Thai people are kind enough to help you call the nearest police or nearest ambulance and would even provide hands to comfort you.

To contact at emergencies:

Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191

Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155

Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844

What should I do if a bag is stolen from my room or dormitory?

First, you should inform the hotel's staff to help you to find out if they have cameras installed in the hotel. Next, you should call the tourist police and have them file paperwork that you may use to report the crime to your insurance company.

What if another type of emergency happens, such as lost luggage, theft, or damage to a rental car?

In case of such emergencies, approach tourist police or nearest police.

All the travel information regarding products, services and travel deals on the website is provided by the suppliers of the particular products and services. The information may change without notice; therefore, check the accuracy of the information with the relevant supplier before making use of it.